Dean Durward Mason

Dean Mason, 75, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away peacefully in his home on April 19th, 2024 after a valiant battle with Lewy Body Dementia.  A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Point Hope Church, 3404 Turgot Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 at 3:00 pm.

Dean was born on December 24th, 1948, to Durward and Georgia Mason in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from Sunset High School, he went on to study at University of Texas A & M (formerly East Texas University) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Dean selflessly devoted 25 years of his life working for the U.S. government at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to help fight some of the worst world-wide epidemics of this century including Influenza, Syphilis and  HIV/AIDS.  Dean became an expert in vaccines and was instrumental in his career in advancing both the availability and the clinical effectiveness of the Influenza vaccine in the United States.  Through his work with vaccinations, he brought hope and healing to countless under served populations in cities across America and worldwide.  Dean also served as Vice President of Wyeth Pharmaceutical’s vaccine program and President and CEO of the Sabine Institute before retiring to enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Dean was blessed with two sons from his first marriage, Lance and Kyle Mason.  He married the love of his life, Constance Elaine Riley on September 18th, 1999, spending the past 25 years together devoted to loving and serving God, each other, their children and their grandchildren.  Together they served as a strong example, embodying the values of love and faith within their family and community.

Dean had many passions in life including the game of baseball, the Dallas Cowboys, going to the movies, practical jokes, playing Chess, history, traveling with family and friends, and his annual trip to Las Vegas to spend time with his sons.  Dean was a loyal husband, father, brother and friend who brought love and laughter to everyone he encountered.  His kindness and positive outlook will have a lasting impact on everyone who was blessed to cross his path.

Dean is survived by his wife, Conny Mason; his sister, Marca Hall; his two children, Lance and Kyle Mason; his three step-children, Sean, Tara and Megan Riley; and his seven grandchildren, Ava and Chase Mason, Hayden, Anna and Conor Riley, and Campbell and Ellie Herr; and many cousins and in-laws that he dearly loved.  Dean’s legacy is one of celebration and love, and he will be forever remembered for the joy he brought to everyone who knew and loved him.

In lieu of any flowers the family requests donations to the lbd.org or Point Hope Church, 3404 Turgot Lane, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.
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